At this moment, Euphra’s maid brought the message, that her mistress was sorry she was unable to appear at breakfast.

Mrs. Elton took her place.

“The day is so warm and still, Mr. Arnold, that I think Lady Emily might have a drive to-day.  Perhaps Miss Cameron may be able to join us by that time.”

“I cannot think what is the matter with Euphra,” said Mr. Arnold.  “She never used to be affected in this way.”

“Should you not seek some medical opinion?” said Mrs. Elton.  “These constant headaches must indicate something wrong.”

The constant headache had occurred just once before, since Mrs. Elton had formed one of the family.  After a pause, Mr. Arnold reverted to the former subject.

“You are most welcome to the carriage, Mrs. Elton.  I am sorry I cannot accompany you myself; but I must go to town to-day.  You can take Mr. Sutherland with you, if you like.  He will take care of you.”

“I shall be most happy,” said Hugh.

“So shall we all,” responded Mrs. Elton kindly.  “Thank you, Mr. Arnold; though I am sorry you can’t go with us.”

“What hour shall I order the carriage?”

“About one, I think.  Will Herr von Funkelstein favour us with his company?”

“I am sorry,” replied Funkelstein; “but I too must leave for London to-day.  Shall I have the pleasure of accompanying you, Mr. Arnold?”

“With all my heart, if you can leave so early.  I must go at once to catch the express train.”

“I shall be ready in ten minutes.”

“Very well.”

“Pray, Mrs. Elton, make my adieus to Miss Cameron.  I am concerned to hear of her indisposition.”

“With pleasure.  I am going to her now.  Good-bye.”

As soon as Mrs. Elton left the breakfast-room, Mr. Arnold rose, saying: 

“I will walk round to the stable, and order the carriage myself.  I shall then be able, through your means, Mr. Sutherland, to put a stop to these absurd rumours in person.  Not that I mean to say anything direct, as if I placed any importance upon it; but, the coachman being an old servant, I shall be able through him, to send the report of your courage and its result, all over the house.”

This was a very gracious explanation of his measures.  As he concluded it, he left the room, without allowing time for a reply.

Hugh had not expected such an immediate consequence of his policy, and felt rather uncomfortable; but he soon consoled himself by thinking, “At least it will do no harm.”

While Mr. Arnold was speaking, Funkelstein had been writing at a side-table.  He now handed Hugh a cheque on a London banking-house for a hundred guineas.  Hugh, in his innocence, could not help feeling ashamed of gaining such a sum by such means; for betting, like tobacco-smoking, needs a special training before it can be carried out quite comfortably, especially by the winner, if he be at all of a generous nature.